Premier League Recap: Arsenal Leave It Late, Villa Finally Score, Bournemouth Draw

Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City

A dramatic late goal from Gabriel Martinelli ensured Arsenal held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw at the Emirates, maintaining the Gunners’ unbeaten head-to-head run against the champions to five matches.

City struck early, taking the lead just nine minutes in. Erling Haaland exchanged passes with Tijjani Reijnders before calmly finishing past David Raya for his 11th goal in just six games across club and country. The Citizens managed the game with composure, frustrating the home crowd with a pragmatic approach, while still carrying a threat through Reijnders, whose strike was saved by Raya. Arsenal threatened through William Saliba and Noni Madueke, but they went into the break trailing.

Mikel Arteta’s changes at half-time sparked a revival. Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze immediately influenced proceedings, with Martín Zubimendi going close. Haaland again tested Raya, but the Gunners continued to dominate the ball. Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori both spurned chances as City’s defence held firm.

In stoppage time, the breakthrough finally came. Eze slipped a clever pass in behind, and Martinelli produced a composed dink over Gianluigi Donnarumma to rescue Arsenal a vital point. The result keeps Arsenal three points clear of City, who will feel this was a missed opportunity after leading for so long.

Sunderland 1-1 Aston Villa

Ten-man Sunderland battled to a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light, extending their unbeaten home run in the Premier League.

The Black Cats looked bright early on, with Wilson Isidor and Omar Alderete both forcing Emiliano Martínez into action. Villa gradually grew into the contest, but Sunderland’s task became harder when Reinildo Mandava saw red for kicking out at Matty Cash. Despite the setback, Sunderland held firm to reach half-time goalless.

Villa eventually capitalised after the break, though in fortunate fashion. Cash’s speculative effort was fumbled by goalkeeper Robin Roefs, gifting the visitors their first Premier League goal of the season. Their advantage, however, lasted just nine minutes. Granit Xhaka’s header found Isidor, who clinically levelled the score.

Villa pushed for a winner through Harvey Elliott and Ollie Watkins, but Sunderland defended resolutely to secure a hard-earned point. While Unai Emery’s side finally ended their goal drought, they remain without a win and stuck in the bottom three. Sunderland, meanwhile, continue their strong home form.

Bournemouth 0-0 Newcastle

Bournemouth and Newcastle United shared the spoils in a goalless draw at the Vitality Stadium, as Eddie Howe’s winless run against his former club stretched to seven matches.

Bournemouth, who have made their best-ever Premier League start, looked lively early on. Tyler Adams forced Nick Pope into a smart stop, while David Brooks had a goal ruled out for offside after converting Evanilson’s cross. Newcastle’s attacking threat was limited, with Jacob Murphy’s effort their only notable first-half chance.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Nick Woltemade appealed for a penalty, and Antoine Semenyo threatened on the break, but neither side could create a decisive opening. Late pressure from Bournemouth saw Justin Kluivert test Pope with a free-kick, yet the stalemate remained.

For Newcastle, it marked a third consecutive goalless away draw and a fourth straight Premier League match without scoring on the road, highlighting their growing attacking problems. Bournemouth, meanwhile, saw their run of three home league wins halted but still collected another valuable point in a strong start to their campaign.